Artwork

The Actor Isidoro Máiquez

The Actor Isidoro Máiquez, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1807
The Actor Isidoro Máiquez, by Francisco Goya, oil, 1807

The Actor Isidoro Máiquez is an oil painting by Francisco Goya. It dates from 1807 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

The Actor Isidoro Máiquez is an oil portrait painted by Francisco Goya in 1807, featuring the renowned Spanish actor Isidoro Máiquez against a somber, unadorned backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Máiquez, a prominent figure in Spanish theater, with a calm yet serious demeanor, reflecting his esteemed position in the cultural landscape of the time.

Technique & Style

Goya employed loose brushstrokes, particularly evident in Máiquez's coat and hair, and utilized chiaroscuro, with side lighting that casts deep shadows, adding depth to the subject's face.

History & Provenance

Created during a period of significant historical change, the painting is now part of the Museo del Prado's collection, highlighting Goya's engagement with the evolving societal and artistic norms of his era.

Context

As a work from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, it situates Goya at the forefront of Spanish art, intersecting with the theatrical and political upheavals of the time, though the painting's focus remains intimately on its subject.

Legacy

While the painting's broader impact is intertwined with Goya's overall contribution to art history, its specific legacy lies in its nuanced portrayal of a cultural icon, showcasing Goya's ability to convey depth through subtle expression and innovative lighting techniques.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Francisco Goya

Artist

Francisco Goya

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (; Spanish: ; 30 March 1746 – 16 April 1828) was a Spanish romantic painter and printmaker.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museo del Prado open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.